Tag Archives: Community

For 90 years and until 1996 when the Simon’s Town municipality became part of a Greater South Peninsula, the municipal flag containing the registered arms (see below) of the town flew over it. In 1996, the arms and flag were transferred to the Simon’s Town Historical Society.

When STADCO assumed control of Jubilee Square and the Jetty to operate on behalf of the Cape Town Metropole, permission was granted to them to fly the old flag on Jubilee Square as an identifying symbol.

Because of the intricate design, the cost of replacement flag became too expensive and it was felt the formal device was not recognisable to most residents or visitors. In fact it was supposed to be based on the arms of Simon van der Stel after whom we are named but was later discovered to be those of his son Willem Adrian who was discredited after his term of office!

It was thus decided to design a new and more representative, but heraldically correct, flag that would not only be flown on Jubilee Square but would be a community flag that any business or resident could share and would promote pride in the community and be a unique identity for a community that still sees itself as a town rather than just a part of Cape Town.

This process took a year with the major community organisations such as the ST Civic Association, the ST Business Association, the ST Historic Society and the ST Community Police Forum being approached for comment and approval.

The flag has now been flown with the National Flag on Jubilee Square since July 2015.

Top two cantons form Municipal arms while anchor represents Navy influence and presence with Roman Rock light as unique symbol.

Due to a number of requests, these flags may now be ordered through the STADCO Office on the Square and are available in two sizes; Standard (180mm x 90mm) and Storm (90mm x 60mm) – prices on request). In addition, bumper stickers and small fridge magnets displaying the flag are available at the STADCO Office for R10-R20 depending on size.

As the flag belongs to the community, businesses (including guest houses) can order their own stock to sell, direct from the supplier.

It is hoped that this simple flag will promote a greater pride in the community, promote the town and even contribute to our economic activity.

The Simon’s Town Business Association held a quarterly networking meeting on Thursday, 27 August 2015 at the False Bay Yacht Club. The guest speaker was David Henwood from Cape Town Tourism, and the topic was “Why Cape Town Tourism needs Simon’s Town, and vice-versa. These are the minutes:

1. UPDATE ON SBA SUCCESSES: Keith, Chair of the SBA, briefly highlighted some of the SBA’s successes. These included the publication of the Simon’s Town Map; the monthly Just Nuisance Market which was now being independently run; the annual Music Festival; the MACH1 Security Guard and the additional Law Enforcement Officer provided through the Ward Councillor. Keith encouraged all businesses, including guest houses, to contribute towards security in the Town as this is of benefit every business, and the more financial contributions received, the more comprehensive the security could become.

2. INTRODUCTIONS OF ALL PRESENT: Liesel invited all present to introduce themselves and their businesses, and to highlight briefly why they believed people, local and international, should come to experience Simon’s Town.

3. DISCUSSION WITH DAVID HENWOOD:
David initiated a discussion as to what “Simon’s Town as a Destination” might mean: A place where visitors could base themselves and from there have multiple varied experiences, both in Simon’s Town and the vicinity.

David explained that Cape Town Tourism (CTT) was essentially a marketing agency appointed by the City of Cape Town to promote the City. CTT had limited funding, but could provide advice with designing and producing a Simon’s Town brochure. He explained that Simon’s Town did feature on the CTT web site, and received hundreds of thousands of hits. It was suggested that we needed a brand name for the coastline from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town – (such as “wild coast”). David agreed to investigate what had happened to the old Simon’s Town brochure that the City had had.

Frequently in the discussion the issue of traffic congestion which was discouraging visitors was raised. This was not something that CTT could influence in any way. Suggestions to get around this included putting in cycling lanes and tracks, improving the train service, and getting the Red Bus to come through Simon’s Town.

David explained that CTT was trying to get more people to Cape Town all year round and had a “Hallo Weekend” programme of a major event each weekend (156) of the year. He emphasised the importance of using social media, and of putting the visitor first in all promotional material.

Simon’s Town businesses expressed their disappointment with respect to the CTT office here. The feeling was that although the people manning it were pleasant and welcoming, the building was not, parking was difficult, and the people did not have the local knowledge and familiarity with Simon’s Town that was needed. David responded that he was carrying out audits of the Visitor Information Centres (VIC), and had closed down several – a world-wide trend. However, he said that the Simon’s Town VIC would never be closed. He was open to exploring better premises, to a possible public/private partnership (as was becoming a trend overseas), and to initiating a process of better training the staff in Simon’s Town. He emphasised that CTT appreciated receiving feedback and would welcome the SBA working with CTT to improve the service being offered.

CTT was planning a Social Media Training Session on the 8-9 October and he would send information about it to the SBA once details were finalised. David described two new Apps onto which he is putting members’ information. He believed that all marketing should be a combination of physical interaction/ apps / and a good web site.

Derek reminded all of the Simonstown.com web site which was very popular. Arne showed the Simon’s Town flag he had designed and which he suggested should be bought and displayed by all as part of branding Simon’s Town.

4. THANKS
Liesel thanked David and all present for the discussion and invited people to move to the Yacht Club bar to continue an informal discussion.

The Far South Community Forum is the joint voice of several civic, community and environmental member organizations in the Far South Peninsula; Clovelly, Fish Hoek, Imhoffs Gift, Kommetjie, Misty Cliffs, Noordhoek, Ocean View, Scarborough, Simon’s Town, Smitswinkel Bay, Sunnydale, Sun Valley.

What is the Far South? The Far South comprises the Cape Peninsula south of
Chapman’s Peak, Silvermine Mountain and Kalk Bay, and its 85 km of coastline.
The Far South is characterised by spectacular mountains, varied coastlines, wetlands, dunes. and one of the richest assemblages of biodiversity, including plants, mammals, and marine, insect, amphibian, bird and reptile species. 85% of the Far South has been declared protected land in terms of various national and international legislation: World Heritage Site, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Peninsula Protected Natural Environment. A population of approximately 100 000 people inhabits the remaining 15% of land.

Great news!! Following the success of last year, the St George and the Dragon Festival will be held on 17 and 18 April 2015 in the village of Simon’s Town.

The festival kicks off with a Medieval Feast in the Town Hall on Friday evening the 17th April. Music is by ‘Out of the Blue ‘ , Bill Knight, and “Hatchetman”. Dress is Medieval.

Saturday the 18th sees a host of events throughout the town, and we challenge you to be bored for a minute!!! The festival has a strong family focus, and will delight children of all ages. Children’s events will take place at the Foundry Gardens, and the line-up is: Minni Mo interactive reptile show, Hoola Hoop competition, Face Painting, Craft Table, Dragon Egg Hunt, Dress up, Jumping Castle, and Cupcake Decorating. Music will be by the young violinists from the Masi Music Outreach.

The live music line-up on Saturday is fabulous; Steve Van, Jamie Jupiter, and Tim Parr are lined up, and food is by Saveur.

There is all day entertainment on Jubilee Square; three live plays will be presented; the story of ST George and the Dragon, the Story of the Blue Dam, and the Black Smith Comedy show. Watch a fencing demonstration, have fun with the stocks and apple dunking, and enjoy more live music, There are over 40 food, craft, and art stalls on the square and surrounds. Bric-a-Brac stalls can be found along St George’s street and the Great St. George’s Bake Off will be held at The Lord Nelson Hotel.

Meet the artist Lynton Levengood at the Modern Dragon Art Exhibition upstairs at the Meeting Place Restaurant. Ollava Scuba will offer trial diving lessons at Long Beach, and there is a Canoe Water polo display at the jetty at midday.

Do you want to learn more about Digital Marketing and Responsible Tourism?

Do you know that 85% of leisure travelers make use of their smartphone while abroad, while half of these travelers make use of Mobile Apps to find accommodation, activities and restaurants?

“Smartphones have transformed how consumers engage with entertainment, work and each other. For marketers, mobile presents an incredible opportunity for connecting with consumers wherever they are—on the go or at home.” – Greg Stuart, CEO, Mobile Marketing Association.

Make sure to attend the Launch of the new Cape Peninsula Mobile-App on the 3rd of November 2014, 4pm – 6pm, at Cape Point Vineyards Restaurant. (RSVP by 25 Oct: info@capepeninsula-app.co.za )

Simon’s Town welcomes spring this year with a festival of music; the weekend of the 19th to 21st September sees a variety of musical performances, from classic to jazz and rock, presented at various venues in the village, and adding to the festive vibe will be music from youth groups, an art exhibition, and a craft market. There are specials on accommodation and food; the village unites to welcome friends and visitors; come and see why we are so fortunate to work and live and play here. Go to the Music Festival facebook page pagehttps://www.facebook.com/simonstownmusicfest for giveaways and prizes, details on the programme and ticket sales.

And the town continues to celebrate during the week that follows; a Braai Competition is held on the jetty on Heritage Day 24th September: are you the 2014 champion? For details and to enter (only R30), mail Nicky at nixwerks@gmail.com or call in at Larijworks or phone 083 9779 182.

On Saturday the 27th, the Side Walk Saunter, a fashion show with a difference, takes place from 2-3pm. Shops taking part in the fashion show will have models strutting their stuff and handing out specials and discount vouchers to passers by. This will be an interactive and vibey show; be there. For more information or to participate contact Louise 083 406 2001.

On the Saturday morning, the Methodist Church Bazaar features stalls, games and bargains.